Chelmsford City Football Club's move back to Chelmsford is expected to go ahead as planned, despite the recent resignation of chairman Peter Stroud and three other directors.

The assurance was given to a full meeting of the borough council by Council Leader, Cllr Mike Mackrory, last week, when he was questioned by Conservative councillor Delmas Ashford.

Cllr Ashford suggested that the leaders of the council's three political groups should meet as a matter of urgency to discuss the best way forward to ensure the future of the football club and its supporters in Chelmsford.

"Such a meeting would ascertain the future of semi-professional football in Chelmsford regardless of the outcome of the poll on May 1 (the borough council election), thereby keeping sport above the vagaries of party politics" he said.

Cllr Mackrory said it was sad to hear of the resignations.

"The history of Chelmsford City Football Club over the years has been topsy-turvey - a bit of a roller coaster," he added.

"Nevertheless, the information I have from the chairman is that he regards it as a matter which largely revolves around players' contracts and wages, and very much an internal situation.

"As far as the club is concerned nothing has changed and they intend the proposed move back to Chelmsford to take place."

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

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